Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen hosted French Minister for the Armed Forces Florence Parly to breakfast this morning, on the sidelines of the 17th Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD). Ms Parly is in Singapore from 2 to 3 June 2018 to attend the 17th SLD. This is Ms Parly's inaugural visit to Singapore as the French Minister for the Armed Forces.

During their meeting, Dr Ng and Ms Parly reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral defence, such as Air Force and Navy cooperation. Both sides also discussed security developments of mutual interest such as the growing threat of terrorism within the region. 

Singapore and France share strong and broad-based bilateral defence relations. This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the signing of the Singapore-France Defence Cooperation and Status of Forces Agreement, which underpins defence ties between both countries. The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Advanced Jet Training in Cazaux, France has also been conducted since 1998. Both armed forces and defence establishments have regular high-level interactions, including policy dialogues, professional exchanges, joint military exercises, and cross-attendance of courses. Both countries also engage in a range of defence technology interactions and exchanges, including the Singapore and France Advanced Research Initiative (SAFARI) meetings. These interactions have strengthened friendship and mutual understanding between the French and Singapore defence establishments.